THIS time around, two brothers, Olsen and Nash, will work closely to ensure the Far Eastern University Tamaraws become a competitive team once again in the coming 80th season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament.
New Tams coach Rodericko “Olsen” Racela said this as he accepted the responsibility handling the team when he comes aboard in the second week of January.
“Very cool. I’m very excited to take over the FEU (basketball) program,” said Racela, a day after school officials confirmed on the university’s official website his appointment as the new head coach of the Tams.
The older brother of Nash Racela said his younger sibling has not really left the team.
Nash is still around as consultant, and he was given other responsibilities since he is now coaching TNT KaTropa Texters in the PBA.
Olsen said this is what he learned from team owner Anton Montinola and athletic director Mark Molina the last time they met.
“Nash started a program, and I hope to continue what he started,” said the 46-year old Racela, who played for 18 years in the PBA, and was around to help win nine titles with Purefoods and San Miguel.
He was also a five-time mythical team member.
When he retired from playing, Racela became the head coach of the Energen Philippine youth basketball team from 2011-2012, and he worked closely with Nash at that time.
Olsen said that its been a long time since they last worked together.
“I will be working closely with him since the Energen days. May katagalan na rin iyon,” he went on.
The elder Olsen handled the Petron Blaze Boosters in the PBA from 2012-2013.
At the moment, he is an assistant coach to Tim Cone with Barangay Ginebra.